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                                   As Much as Maria loves to perform and record, she has also found                                           great joy in educating people of all ages in the history of American                                         music. That is, Jazz and Blues and the Great American Songbook. She                                     also loves teaching young people to become lifelong learners in a                                           general music environment.

                                   She herself went back to school at age 40, to get a second degree, this                                     one in music education, with a minor in education. She became a licensed music educator for grades PreK through 12, graduating Cum Laude from Kent State University. Not more than a few short years later, she became the Vocal Jazz Professor there, along side of her teachers, who became her colleagues. Of this, Maria is very proud.

Maria uses her teaching credential to teach at St. Joseph Randolph, and also for the non-profit organization Open Tone Music. Open Tone serves young people through summer and after school music programs in inner Akron and Cleveland communities.

In addition to her academic degrees, Maria also studied privately with world renown artists and educators, such as:  Brazillian Pop and Jazz Vocalist Kevyn Lettau (Sergio Mendez), Vocal Coach Roland Wyatt (for the Manhattan Transfer), and Marni Nixon, ghost singer for Natalie Wood in the film West Side Story, among others.

Maria's students have gone on to do great things, including Broadway. You can read some of their testimonials below, and also view some educational videos to learn of Maria's teaching style. Contact her directly from the contact page if you are interested in taking private lessons.

 

ENDORSEMENTS

KEVYN LETTAU, Brazilian Pop and Jazz vocalist and jazz educator www.kevynlettau.com

        "Maria was my student many years ago. She has been honing her craft and artistry with passion and conviction! I recommend her singing and teachng!!!"

MARILYN SCOTT, American Jazz vocalist and Jazz Educator. www.marilynscott.com

"Maria has the expertise and experience needed in the educational field of a vocal education. Her connection to the musical world is well respected."

STUDENT REVIEWS

"I've had the honor to perform on Broadway, Off-Broadway, all over the country and internatioally during my 36 year long career. In addition, I've done film, television and commercials. Out of many voice teachers throughout my career, Maria Jacobs' philosophy and approach to teaching is one of the best experiences I have ever had. Besides her talent as a teacher, she's a caring and wonderful human being." --- Steven Scionti

"I have been studying voice with Maria Jacobs for four semesters and she has taught me so mucn. In addition to voice lessons, I recently began songwriting, and she has shown a deep understanding of the artistic process and she has also helped me through creative dry spellls." --- Megan Girtner

"I've been with Maria for four semesters at Kent State. She helped me to improve my vocal technique, and my range has increased since I've been wroking with her. My lower range is immensely better, and she taught me how to sing wtih corret form." --- Mai Geri

"Maria Jacobs is always bringing new and wonderful material to each lesson. Over the last three years, I have expanded my repertoire to include Jazz standards on top of the Pop and Musical Theater already in my book. My technique has improved in breath support and vowel placement, and I am stylistically uuch more versatile than I was before. I had necer imagined singing Jazz, but now it is one of my favorite things to perform!" --- Cameron Olin

TEACHING SAMPLES

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